Parish Pastoral Council

Parish Pastoral Council: 2016 to 2018

Mission Statement:
Following the example of Jesus Christ, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Raphael, we commit ourselves to witness God's love story to all.

Our Vision:
We, the Christian Community of St. Raphael passionately immersed in the Gospel values of Jesus Christ, envision a faith filled community that brings self and others closer to God.

Pastoral Council Chairperson: Brenda Sameshima

Vice Chair, Lectors: Celeste Rivera

Secretary: Bill Thesken

Worship: Marina Pascua

Evangelization: Alison Carviero

Finance: Steve Mocilnikar

Temporalities: Leonard Vierra

Service: Tina Brun

Youth: Darrell Acob

Stewardship

Stewardship vs. Volunteering

Every year, we seem to struggle to get more and more people to "volunteer" to do what needs to be done to keep our churches going. But are we really looking for volunteers? No, we are truly seeking stewards! Some may think that the two terms are interchangeable. Aren't we all working to help the church anyway?

Let's take a minute to consider the definitions. To volunteer is to do, make or bring about of one's own free choice. Clear enough. But isn't there more to our church life than simply doing something freely and without pay?

Ok, let's consider stewardship. It's defined as a person who manages another person's property or financial affairs or one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. The focus is different. We are not just coming of free will to accomplish a task, we are taking care of that which has been given to us by God. This is his world, his church, his property and we are his children and stewards who have been entrusted with the care of it all.

As faithful stewards of God's holy house, we have a sacred obligation and responsibility, not simply to volunteer a few extra moments, but rather, humbly and joyfully offer our time, our talents, and our resources back to God.

This is true for all of us. We have been blessed by God with certain gifts and talents and opportunities to use them. We are all of infinite value to our God and a vital part of the management and stewardship of his holy church.

Let us go and be faithful to our calling, each in our own way. Let us be faithful and righteous in our stewardship. Life itself is a gift from God. All we have in life, is part of that gift. Please consider joining one our existing ministries at St. Raphael Church to give some of your time, talents and treasures to praise God. Contact Andy Honl to discuss you interests and sign up today.

The Food Pantry at Saint Raphael Catholic Church was initiated by Lil Riley and Marie Petro and their respective husbands over 20 years ago. The mission of the Food Pantry was to prepare baskets of food for families in need of assistance during times of hardship. The families neither had to be Catholic nor in the Koloa area. It could be any family across Kauai that needed help.

Over a decade ago, Tina Brun, the current Director of this program took over this mission. She continues to prepare care packages when required. These care packages not only include food but household supplies as well such as soap, shampoo and even bedding. In the month of July 2014 alone, she prepared care packages for 35 families in need. She also organizes packages for up to 40 families across Kauai during three major holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Included in these seasonal packages is either a large turkey or a large ham. Every third Friday of the month, Tina prepares “brown bags” for the children of Koloa school.

Donations are accepted either in monetary form in “Food Pantry” box at the back of the church or nonperishable food can be left anytime in a container outside of the main church.

Families in need should contact the program Director Tina Brun at 808-742-6788